The landscape of County Waterford is one of rich colours and grand scale, a smoothly sculptured coastline of bold proportions, low cliffs and large open bays. The county has 147km of dazzling coastline, with 49 beaches for holidaymakers to choose from. In the north of the county gradually expanding mountains offer travellers long walks, with amazing views over the plains and into Tipperary, whilst to the south, the hills rise from the lush valleys and coast, their slopes covered by plantations of plush fir trees.

Once described as 'a modern European port wrapped around an ancient Irish city', the county capital, Waterford, is the oldest city in Ireland. Significantly, it developed separately from the county which adopted its name; from the year 853 onwards Viking and later Norman settlements meant that the town thrived as an independent city state, prospering through trade with Europe, whilst the rest of the county concentrated on more traditional, rural farming and fishing activities along with a strong Celtic identity. Waterford City still enjoys its profile as an international destination, its historic architecture proving a significant attraction for visitors.

Things to do in County WaterfordTwo impressive, but accessible mountain ranges, the Knockmealdown and the Comeragh Mountains, are located on the border with neighbouring Tipperary, and are popular with both mountain climbers and hikers.

The long distance hiking path, known as the East Munster Way, runs for 47 miles from Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary, dipping briefly into Waterford, before ending back in Tipperary in the village of Clogheen.

A number of 'scenic drives' are promoted as a particularly efficient way for visitors to familiarise themselves with the best that Waterford has to offer. Whether you choose to explore the splendour of the Comeragh Mountains, the beauty of the East Waterford Peninsula, the climbing and dipping trail of the Lismore route, or the Suir Valley which borders the county with neighbouring Tipperary, these motoring excursions present some of the finest sightseeing to be found anywhere in Ireland.

Top Destinations

Waterford City – Most of Waterford's finest ecclesiastical and secular architecture dates from the 18th century, driven by the economic prosperity of the city. Ship building and glass making developed as important local industries over the following hundred years, with Waterford Crystal still giving the city an international profile today. The town enjoys a deep inland harbour, which helped the city to flourish as an important European port during the 16th and 17th centuries; the Quay runs for a mile through the city, and is still a major focal point for visitors. Adjacent to the Quay, and part of the original city walls and fortifications, the sturdy round form of Reginald's Tower is thought to be the oldest civic building in Ireland, and is now used as a museum.

Dungarvan – The administrative capital of Waterford owes its origins to the Anglo-Normans of the 12th century, although one of the Dukes of Devonshire can take much credit for substantially reconstructing the town during the 19th century. Set in the picturesque Dungarvan Bay, the town is an ideal base for anglers wishing to indulge their deep sea fishing requirements, whilst a number of excellent golf courses also offer superb opportunities.

Tramore – One of the leading seaside resorts in Ireland, Tramore is blessed with more than 5km of sandy beaches, and is a popular spot for surfers to test their skills; kite surfers and windsurf enthusiasts are also drawn to the town to enjoy the good breaks, big swells and consistent winds. Perched on a hill behind a sand spit which divides Tramore Bay, this former fishing village is now closely associated with the traditional seaside holiday experience.

Lismore – This small town on the River Blackmore is home to Lismore Castle, which was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh; it was also the birthplace of 'the father of Chemistry', Robert Boyle. The Castle was built on the site of Lismore Abbey, an important ecclesiastical centre during the 7th century, although much of the current Castle architecture is attributable to the rebuilding work carried out in the Gothic (Revival) style by Sir Joseph Paxton for William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, during in the 19th century. The pointerly-spired Lismore Cathedral is dedicated to St Carthage, who is credited with founding the town.

Recently updated properties

Oozing quality and character, these charming holiday cottages (refs W31921, W31922 and W31923) are set around a very pretty courtyard with central fountain. Valentine Cottage 1 (ref W31921), as its name suggests, offers a ...

Oozing quality and character, these charming holiday cottages (refs W31921, W31922 and W31923) are set around a very pretty courtyard with central fountain. Valentine Cottage 1 (ref W31921), as its name suggests, offers a ...

Terraced house for 5.Seacliff is a development of delightful holiday homes nestling within the grounds of Dunmore East Golf Club which is on a headland above the ocean looking out towards Hook Head. Each of these ...

With wonderful panoramic views over the fishing harbour and the open sea, this most attractive holiday house, with its own patio to the rear and en-suite double bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, is set on an elevated site ...

This delightful first floor holiday apartment is in a superb location with a large balcony overlooking the harbour in the village of Dunmore East. Within a few minutes' stroll are traditional pubs and restaurants, many ...

Close to beach.Detached bungalow for 4.This delightful, single storey holiday home for 4 is suitable for two couples or a small family, and is just 2 miles from Ardmore with its restaurants, pubs and craft shops. The ...

Situated just half a mile above the charming seaside town of Ardmore, this lovely, detached holiday property has an enclosed, southwest-facing garden from which you can enjoy magnificent sunsets. Ideal for families and ...

These detached, single-storey holiday cottages (refs W32091 and W32092) enjoy stunning sea views, and are set in an elevated position above the seaside village of Bunmahon on the Copper Coast. This area was declared a ...

Surrounded by glorious countryside and overlooking fields leading down to the River Bride this charming property is on a peaceful cattle, sheep and fruit farm, 4 miles from the historic town of Lismore and 2 miles from ...

In a romantic riverside setting, this detached single storey holiday property in a peaceful retreat nestles beside a river in the heart of the beautiful Nire Valley with a backdrop of woods and the Comeragh Mountains.It is ...

Situated at the gateway to the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region of Waterford, these superb holiday homes (refs W32144 and W32145) lie adjacent to the owner's award-winning 17th-century thatched pub and restaurant where ...

This pretty, semi-detached character holiday cottage is ideally located in the heart of the beautiful 18th-century estate village of Villierstown, winner of numerous accolades in the National Tidy Town Competition. Within ...

Dating back to 1860, detached Doon Farmhouse is a holiday getaway in a secluded setting with stunning views towards the Comeragh Mountain range. Situated on the owners' 90-acre working farm adjacent to their home, guests ...

Situated at the gateway to the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region of Waterford, these superb holiday homes (refs W32144 and W32145) lie adjacent to the owner's award-winning 17th-century thatched pub and restaurant where ...

Close to beach.Detached bungalow for 4.This delightful, single storey holiday home for 4 is suitable for two couples or a small family, and is just 2 miles from Ardmore with its restaurants, pubs and craft shops. The ...

Close to beach.Detached bungalow for 4.This delightful, single storey holiday home for 4 is suitable for two couples or a small family, and is just 2 miles from Ardmore with its restaurants, pubs and craft shops. The ...

In a romantic riverside setting, this detached single storey holiday property in a peaceful retreat nestles beside a river in the heart of the beautiful Nire Valley with a backdrop of woods and the Comeragh Mountains.It is ...

In a romantic riverside setting, this detached single storey holiday property in a peaceful retreat nestles beside a river in the heart of the beautiful Nire Valley with a backdrop of woods and the Comeragh Mountains.It is ...

Surrounded by glorious countryside and overlooking fields leading down to the River Bride this charming property is on a peaceful cattle, sheep and fruit farm, 4 miles from the historic town of Lismore and 2 miles from ...

Dating back to 1860, detached Doon Farmhouse is a holiday getaway in a secluded setting with stunning views towards the Comeragh Mountain range. Situated on the owners' 90-acre working farm adjacent to their home, guests ...

Terraced house for 5.Seacliff is a development of delightful holiday homes nestling within the grounds of Dunmore East Golf Club which is on a headland above the ocean looking out towards Hook Head. Each of these ...

Panoramic views.Ground and first floor apartment for 3.Located in a peaceful lane only 1.5 miles from Tallow this delightful apartment makes a relaxing holiday retreat and is an ideal base for touring.The property is ...

This pretty, semi-detached character holiday cottage is ideally located in the heart of the beautiful 18th-century estate village of Villierstown, winner of numerous accolades in the National Tidy Town Competition. Within ...

With wonderful panoramic views over the fishing harbour and the open sea, this most attractive holiday house, with its own patio to the rear and en-suite double bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, is set on an elevated site ...

These detached, single-storey holiday cottages (refs W32091 and W32092) enjoy stunning sea views, and are set in an elevated position above the seaside village of Bunmahon on the Copper Coast. This area was declared a ...

This delightful first floor holiday apartment is in a superb location with a large balcony overlooking the harbour in the village of Dunmore East. Within a few minutes' stroll are traditional pubs and restaurants, many ...

Good touring base.Semi detached cottage for 4.This charming property is on a cattle, sheep and fruit farm surrounded by glorious countryside and overlooking fields leading down to the River Bride. The historic town of ...

This delightful detached holiday cottage is located just 5½ miles from the seaside town of Dungarvan, overlooking the countryside with horses peacefully grazing. Ideal for walking, the surrounding countryside ...

Situated just half a mile above the charming seaside town of Ardmore, this lovely, detached holiday property has an enclosed, southwest-facing garden from which you can enjoy magnificent sunsets. Ideal for families and ...

Oozing quality and character, these charming holiday cottages (refs W31921, W31922 and W31923) are set around a very pretty courtyard with central fountain. Valentine Cottage 1 (ref W31921), as its name suggests, offers a ...

Oozing quality and character, these charming holiday cottages (refs W31921, W31922 and W31923) are set around a very pretty courtyard with central fountain. Valentine Cottage 1 (ref W31921), as its name suggests, offers a ...

Oozing quality and character, these charming holiday cottages (refs W31921, W31922 and W31923) are set around a very pretty courtyard with central fountain. Valentine Cottage 1 (ref W31921), as its name suggests, offers a ...